Been on H1, 18 years of Database/ETL/DW experience. Have 2 years of experience in Azure data services and Python. Am I even being reasonable trying to get into FAANG? How hard is it if anyone with similar situation actually succeeded?
Grind grind grind
How difficult is the Cruise interview?
Easier than FAANG I'd say
It’s all about LC, system design and project deep dive.
I am 43, and was just hired by Google. This was after being hired by Amazon 18 months ago. Age doesn’t matter. But being able to reason about algorithms does matter. At both Amazon and Google, I applied for senior positions, but was down levelled both times. This was still acceptable to me. You need to prepare by practicing on HackerRank or similar.
How did you prepare for system design?
Very similar story for me. 45 and going to Meta now. LC and staying true to CS roots keeps you young ;)
> 18 years of Database/ETL/DW "Are you good at SQL" If yes they'll happily take you as a data engineer. Which is the title for "lots of SQL" in those places. There's a big big shortage of SQL gurus at big tech companies. Lots of work on, lots and lots of engineers who don't want to do data modelling.
How do i know my data modeling is good enough? I try to model some myself for different problems/businesses. But i need someone to poke holes and give me feedback on whats the problem or how to make it better. Any forums where DB guys collaborate?
Leetcode SQL and practice interviews on Pramp. They just ask tough SQL questions, they don't actually test you on data modelling per se. You can search up interview prep for DE. Just be a wizard with window functions, subqueries etc.
Was first hired by Amazon at 43 :)
Absolutely, age no bar. You need to know what it takes and work on it. ds-algo (Leetcode), Syatem design and well articulated past experience. Often overlooked is typing speed and character traits like humbleness, confidence, self awareness etc.
I’m turning 40 in 2 months. Just accepted a role at Microsoft. They downleveled from L63 to L62. I still accepted it because even at 40 there is 100% hike in my compensation with Microsoft. Everyone is on their own time clock. I plan to now Leetcode a day take experience from Microsoft and keep interviewing to get even better offers. It’s never too late. It took me 1.5 years of prep and atleast 20 rejections to get 2 offers finally. Keep persevering. If I can anyone can!
You are an inspiration
Tc or gtfo
Tc or gtfo
It’s all in your head. You can do it if you put in the time
First comment and right on the money. Thanks.